TV Commercials

SPENDING

Excess spending is one of the greatest threats facing our nation. For the last several decades our government has been content to pay for entitlements with the national credit card. Unfortunately, this is not a Republican - Democrat issue but we are facing a national debt of over $13 trillion with unfunded liabilities exceeding $100 trillion.

Because of this debt, we have placed an enormous burden on our children and grandchildren and this is unacceptable. This is why I will insist on zero base budgeting and push for a balanced budget amendment.

I call this measure “Value Funding.” In order for me to vote in favor of a spending bill, it will have to meet two criteria. First, the bill MUST be constitutional. Next it must provide a valuable service to the citizens of this country. If a spending bill meets both of these criteria I would consider voting for the measure.

HEALTHCARE

From the beginning of the healthcare debate I have been on the front-lines helping to fight the passage of the Healthcare Reform bill. Before the bill was signed in to law I spent Several days in Washington D.C. managing the “War Room” for the “Take the Townhalls to Washington”, an event designed to urge congressmen to vote against the Healthcare Reform Bill.

It is imperative that we repeal this law and work to reform the areas that will make healthcare more affordable for all Americans. I believe that America has the greatest healthcare system in the world. It is unthinkable to totally deconstruct our current system for a single-payer socialist system. There are, however, areas that could be addressed:

First, tort reform must be addressed. Very simply, it has become almost impossible for physicians and surgeons to maintain mandatory, increasingly costly liability insurance because of the threat of lawsuits. Our country loses experienced, respected healthcare professionals on a daily basis because of this expense.

Second, we need to open the markets and state lines to foment competition. As we have seen with property and casualty/automobile insurance, increased competition will help to lower costs for everyone.

Third, we need to make it easier for people to purchase high-deductible insurance to cover major medical expenses.

Additionally, we need to make it possible for taxpayers to deduct the expense of their individual insurance policies.

IMMIGRATION

I would like to make it very clear that I am an advocate for LEGAL immigration. I respect those individuals who follow our country's strict guidelines to gain a legal status. It is a long process which takes time and dedication on the part of the individual. Additionally, many who migrate legally are often more educated on the U.S. political structure and legal system than many of our own high school graduates. I would, however like to make it very clear that I am completely against those who mock our rules and our laws to enter, work and gain our hard earned benefits illegally.

It is my belief that the southern border fence should be completed and that area patrolled with force. Additionally, I would look into building new military bases in the desert areas of our southern border. These bases would create excellent training areas for our operations in the middle east, while protecting our borders and creating tighter national security in areas which have been allowed to become so highly compromised . We should intentionally create a much less comfortable environment for those already here illegally to continue to live and work within our borders. This would encourage a majority of illegals to return to their native countries, therefore helping to put many of our abused and fiscally mismanaged programs back on track.

TERM LIMITS

One of my key issues will be term limits. Our system of government never intended to accommodate career politicians. When you are in Washington for 20, 30 – even 40 years or more, I believe you can lose perspective with regards to 'real people with real issues' living in the 'real world.'

For these reasons, I will push for a three-term limit on Congress (6 years) and a two term limit in the Senate (12 years). Legislators unable to accomplish set goals within these time frames should feel obligated enough to their state and their country to allow someone else an opportunity to make a positive change.

I will propose and vote for term limits in hopes of giving our government back to the people.

NATIONAL SECURITY

With regards to our country's national security, I subscribe to Ronald Reagan’s philosophies "peace through strength" and "trust but verify." I believe that it is not necessary for all the nations of the world to love the U.S., but instead we should earn back and command their respect. We are the greatest force for peace in the world. Countless millions around the globe have the gift to live free lives thanks to the blood, sweat and tears of the men and women, as well as the families, of our superior military.

In addition to our support and gratitude, the brave men and women of our military should be given every advantage we can possibly provide to them. We should honor the agreements we have with our friends at NATO, the Middle East and Israel in particular.

There are countless other issues facing our nation. You have my pledge that I will not bow to political correctness. Instead, I will follow the constitution without exception, without fail.

CAP AND TRADE

Any cap and trade (cap and tax) legislation is a mistake and I will vote against any such legislation. Not only would this cause inflation in everything from energy to retail sales, it would also make the U.S. less competitive in the global marketplace. This legislation is a lose-lose all the way around.

Unfortunately, President Obama is using the BP oil spill disaster in the Gulf as a platform to further push his radical agenda. We as Americans need to make sure that we continue to work towards energy independence, continue to drill while we build new nuclear power plants and search for alternative sources of energy.